Though she seemed to “suddenly” appear on the screen in the 1997 hit Boogie Nights, Moore has been actively building her resume on stage and screen since she graduated from Boston University with a degree in fine arts. She has appeared in minor roles in major films (The Fugitive and Short Cuts, both 1993) and major roles in minor films (Body of Evidence, 1993; Assassins, 1995) before landing major roles in major films (Nine Months, 1995; Surviving Picasso, 1996; Lost World: Jurassic Park and Boogie Nights, 1997; The Big Lebowski, 1998). Moore had a good year in 1999 with the release of three films: Cookie's Fortune, The End of the Affair, and Magnolia. She also appeared in Hannibal (2001). 2003 was a good year, bringing her Oscar nominations in the best actress and best supporting actress categories for her roles in Far From Heaven and The Hours. Critically acclaimed, she is known for taking risks with her choices of roles but is equally appealing in Hollywood blockbusters and smaller independent films.